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Always Greener
Always Greener
Always Greener
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Always Greener
GenreDrama
Created byBevan Lee
Written by
Starring
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes50 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producerJohn Holmes
ProducerJo Porter
Production locationNew South Wales
Running time
  • Approximately 1 hour
  • (with ads)
Production companySouthern Star Group
Original release
NetworkSeven Network
Release9 September 2001 (2001-09-09) –
8 June 2003 (2003-06-08)
Related
Packed to the Rafters

Always Greener was an Australian television drama/comedy series that aired on the Seven Network which followed the fortunes of two families, one from the city and the other from the country, when they decide to switch homes and start a new direction in life for themselves. It ran from 2001 until 2003, when it was cancelled after declining ratings and concerns over the cost of production.

History

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The name of the show stems from the phrase "The grass is always greener on the other side". Promotion of the show's premiere episode used the Travis song "Side," which features the phrase as part of the chorus. The show was broadcast overseas in New Zealand on TV ONE. In 2006 reruns started airing on TV2. The series has since been released on DVD.

The Southern Star Group owns the rights to distribute Always Greener internationally.[1]

Premise

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The series mainly revolved around the members of two families, the Taylors, who live in suburban Sydney, and the Todd family who live on a farm just outside the rural New South Wales town of Inverness. Each faced with problems of their own, John Taylor pays a Christmas visit to his sister Sandra Todd at her farm. Joking that they should consider switching houses for a change in their lives, the move becomes a reality when John discovers that his daughter Marissa is on drugs and Sandra can't pay the bills. Always Greener was noted for both dealing with serious issues as well as putting an often humorous touch to episodes. Fantasy sequences (such as a song and dance number when John mulls over having a vasectomy) were common and often added to the charm of the series.

Cast

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Anne Tenney (Liz Taylor), John Howard (John Taylor), Caitlin McDougall (Sandra Todd)

The Taylor family

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The Todd family

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Other main characters

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Recurring

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Jones (14 episodes)

Guests

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Ratings

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Season Episodes Originally aired Viewers (in millions) Rank
Season premiere Season finale
1 22 9 September 2001 3 June 2002 1.738[2] #2[2]
2 28 8 September 2002 8 June 2003 1.150[2] #8[2]

Awards

[edit]

Clayton Watson won the Australian Film Institute's award for "Best Actor in a Supporting or Guest Role in a Television Drama" for his work on Always Greener in 2002. The show was also nominated for an International Emmy Award in 2002 and Always Greener and its cast have been nominated for several Logies during its run.[3]

Logie Awards

  • 2003 Nominee: Most Outstanding Drama Series
  • 2003 Nominee: Most Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series (John Howard)
  • 2002 Nominee: Most Outstanding Drama Series
  • 2002 Nominee: Most Popular New Female Talent (Michala Banas)

ASSG Australian Screen Sound Awards

  • 2003 Nominee: Best Achievement in Sound for a Television Drama ("Episode 50")

APRA-AGSC Screen Music Awards

  • 2002 Nominee: Best Music for a Television Series or Serial (Paul Healy and Trent Williamson)[4]

Australian Film Institute Television Awards[5]

International Emmy Awards

  • 2002 Nominee: Always Greener Series 1 – Episodes 1 & 3

Australian Writers' Guild Awards

  • 2002 Nominee: Television (Series): "The Good Woman's Guide To A Happy Home" (Sue Hore)

Cancellation

[edit]

On 6 July 2003, Seven's Director of Programming and Production, Tim Worner announced the renewal of Always Greener saying: "Always Greener is an important program for Seven. We see it as a key franchise for us, a program we believe will continue to build in its third season." Then in September, the decision was reversed.[1] News was broken to cast and crew as the first script meetings for the new series were already being held.

The cancellation was rumoured to be due to falling ratings. The show began with over 2 million viewers in 2001, but ratings never recovered from the disastrous decision to début the second season in the low rating Easter period of 2002 – Against stronger competition in both '60 Minutes' and 'Big Brother'. In 2002 the show moved from Sunday to Monday and then back to Sunday by 2003. Always Greener was rating around 1.0 million when cancelled. However, Seven cited "cost management" as the reason for dropping the series.

At the time, Worner was reported as saying that the decision was purely based on cost, because the 22 episodes were to cost $10 million, which he said was far too much.

In late 2005 Seven aired reruns of the show in the early morning 9:30am timeslot and again in Seven's popular reruns timeslot at 12:00pm. Presently, it airs sporadically on Universal Channel.

Home media

[edit]
Always Greener DVD collection

The first season of Always Greener have been released on DVD in Region 4 (Australia) format. The DVDs are distributed by Madman Entertainment under the label of VIA Vision Entertainment. A photo gallery is included in Season 1 (Vol. 2) and Season 1 (Complete).

Always Greener Australian DVD Release
DVD Name Release Date Episodes Rating Discs Runtime
Season 1 (Volume 1) 7 March 2007[6][7] Episodes 1–11 M 3 472 minutes
Season 1 (Volume 2) 7 March 2007[8][9] Episodes 12–22 M 3 484 minutes
Season 1 (Complete) 10 October 2007[10][11] Episodes 1–22 M 6 956 minutes
Season 2 (Volume 1) Unreleased[12] Episodes 23–36 M 3 TBA
Season 2 (Volume 2) Unreleased[13] Episodes 37–50 M 3 TBA

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Always Greener

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Always Greener is an Australian comedy-drama television series created by Bevan Lee that aired on Network from 9 September 2001 to 8 June 2003, spanning two seasons and 50 episodes. The show centers on two interconnected families—the urban Taylors from and their rural relatives, the Todds (John's sister Sandra and her family) from the Southern Highlands—who swap lifestyles, with the Taylors moving to the countryside to run a and the Todds relocating to the city, highlighting the challenges and humor of adapting to unfamiliar environments. The series stars as pragmatic architect John Taylor, as his wife Liz Taylor, a passionate schoolteacher, alongside their children Marissa (), Jason (Daniel Bowden), and baby Kimberley (Natasha Lee). In the opposing Todd family, plays Sandra Todd, a widowed farmer, with her children including rebellious teenager and Pip (Bree Walters). Created and primarily written by Bevan Lee, known for his work on other Australian dramas, the program blends heartfelt family dynamics with comedic fish-out-of-water scenarios, often drawing on the "the grass is always greener on the other side" to underscore the characters' realizations about their choices. Always Greener received positive reception for its warm humor and relatable portrayal of Australian life, earning a 7.8/10 rating on from over 380 user reviews and praise from critics for its original take on familiar tropes. The Guardian described it as "extremely funny" and "as warm as a family group hug," commending the cast's impeccable despite the well-worn premise. Though it attracted solid viewership of around one million per episode, the series was discontinued after two seasons due to network cost considerations.

Background and production

Concept and development

Always Greener was created by Bevan Lee, who developed and pitched the series to the Seven Network in 2000 as a light-hearted exploration of urban versus rural life. The drew inspiration from real-life family relocations and the "the grass is always greener on the other side," with early scripts emphasizing cultural clashes between dwellers and country folk. The commissioning process advanced rapidly, with the network greenlighting the show in early for an initial run of 22 episodes. Budget allocations were specifically earmarked to support , ensuring authentic depictions of both environments. This decision underscored the series' commitment to highlighting lifestyle contrasts without relying solely on studio sets. Key creative decisions shaped the series' unique tone, including a deliberate blend of and to balance humorous mishaps with emotional depth. Episodes were structured around evolving dynamics, allowing for ongoing exploration of adaptation and personal growth. Additionally, the choice to film in both and rural was integral to capturing the premise's core idea of a family swap, providing visual and authenticity to the urban-rural divide.

Casting and crew

The casting process for Always Greener began with open auditions in 2001, aimed at selecting actors who could convincingly portray the dynamics of two interconnected families—the urban Taylors and rural Todds—emphasizing strong on-screen chemistry to reflect their swapped lifestyles. John Howard was cast as the family patriarch John Taylor, a social worker, bringing his experience from roles in SeaChange and The Herbie Hancock Trio to the part. Anne Tenney portrayed Liz Taylor, John's wife, drawing on her established career in Australian television, including her iconic role in A Country Practice. Michala Banas played their daughter Marissa Taylor, a role that highlighted her comedic timing seen in prior guest spots on shows like The Games. For the Todd family, was selected as Campbell Todd, the 16-year-old son of Sandra and aspiring soccer player, marking an early lead for the actor who later transitioned to directing. took on the role of Sandra Todd, Campbell's widowed mother, contributing to the family's rural authenticity with her background in series like . Supporting cast additions included Daniel Bowden as Jason Taylor and as recurring character Tom Morgan, enhancing the ensemble's interpersonal tensions. Key crew members included directors such as Grant Brown, who helmed multiple episodes, alongside Scott Hartford-Davis and Mark Piper, each contributing to around 10 installments to maintain the series' consistent pacing. Writers like Bevan Lee, the show's creator, and others such as Margaret Wilson shaped the narrative, with Lee overseeing the overall family-swap premise. The production was handled by Southern Star Group, which provided the logistical backbone for the 2001–2003 run on the Seven Network.

Filming and locations

The production of Always Greener utilized a mix of on-location shooting and studio work to capture the contrast between urban and rural lifestyles. Rural scenes, depicting the Taylor family's countryside life, were primarily filmed in , , which served as a for the fictional rural setting; key sites included the town's main street, pub, local stores, and railway station, along with surrounding countryside landscapes. Urban sequences for the Todd family were shot in Sydney's suburban areas and interiors at ATN-7 Studios, located at 61 Mobbs Lane in , with additional exterior shots at locations like Glebe High School in . Filming for the series occurred from 2001 to 2003, aligning with its two-season run and resulting in a total of 50 episodes, each approximately long. The schedule demanded efficient production to meet weekly airing commitments on the Seven Network, with crews dividing time between rural exteriors in and urban/studio work in . Some episodes incorporated school-based scenes at High School to reflect the families' community interactions. Set design emphasized authenticity to highlight the lifestyle swap theme, featuring practical farm elements for rural Taylor family scenes and modern apartment setups for the urban Todds, overseen by production designer Sally Shepherd across all 50 episodes. Props such as farm equipment were sourced to enhance realism in countryside sequences. Production faced logistical hurdles, including weather-related delays during outdoor rural shoots in Thirlmere's variable climate and the need for coordinated travel and setup between distant city and country locations. These challenges required flexible scheduling, with typical episode shoots spanning 5-6 days to accommodate the weekly broadcast pace for Season 1 starting in mid-2001.

Series overview

Premise

Always Greener centers on two related Australian families who undertake a home and lifestyle swap in 2001, prompted by their mutual dissatisfaction with their current environments. The Taylor family, urban professionals from , relocates to the rural farm in the fictional town of , , while the Todd family, who run a country property, moves into the Taylors' city home. This exchange is initiated by siblings John Taylor and Sandra Todd, highlighting the adage that the grass is always greener on the other side as each family confronts the realities of the opposing lifestyle. The Taylors comprise city-dwellers with teenage children and a baby, accustomed to professional demands and urban conveniences, whereas the Todds are farmers with children including , rooted in rural routines and ties. As the families adjust, the series depicts the ensuing challenges and personal growth, including shifts in daily responsibilities, social interactions, and family dynamics, without delving into specific events. Structurally, the show employs self-contained stories per episode that contribute to broader ongoing arcs across its two seasons, with each installment averaging around 45 minutes in length. This format allows for episodic exploration of the swap's impacts while building narrative continuity in the families' evolving relationships.

Themes and format

Always Greener explores the grass-is-greener fallacy through its central premise of two families swapping urban and rural lifestyles, ultimately revealing that personal challenges persist regardless of location. The series delves into family bonds by portraying realistic, often dysfunctional dynamics that highlight emotional support and conflicts within the Taylor and Todd households. It contrasts the urban-rural divide, juxtaposing the fast-paced opportunities and stresses of city life in Sydney with the communal yet isolating aspects of country existence in Inverness. Personal growth emerges as a recurring motif, as characters confront adversity and adapt to unfamiliar environments, fostering resilience and self-reflection. The format blends and , employing humorous fish-out-of-water scenarios where city dwellers grapple with farm chores and rural families navigate urban hustle, balanced by poignant family-oriented moments that underscore relational depth. As an ensemble-driven narrative, the series distributes focus across multiple characters, weaving interconnected storylines that evolve community arcs over its two seasons. Australian cultural elements are integrated through cheeky humor, sibling rivalries, and depictions of suburban and rural idiosyncrasies, including occasional fantasy sequences that reveal characters' inner thoughts. Over its run from 2001 to 2003, Always Greener maintains a tonal balance between light-hearted and candid examinations of contemporary issues such as work stress and teenage challenges, with the ensemble's chemistry deepening in later seasons to emphasize dramatic undertones alongside comedic warmth.

Cast and characters

Taylor family

The Taylor family serves as the urban protagonists in Always Greener, originating from and relocating to the rural town of as part of a house swap with their country relatives, the Todds. This move thrusts them into unfamiliar life, highlighting their adaptation struggles and personal growth amid the contrast between city chaos and rural simplicity. John Taylor, portrayed by , is the family patriarch and a dedicated social worker whose career has left him jaded and politically aware after two decades counseling those affected by drugs and . Burned out by urban demands, he initiates the swap during a visit to his sister Sandra's farm, seeking to escape the city's stresses, rediscover personal fulfillment, and shield his children from its dangers. Throughout the series, John's arc involves grappling with the physical and emotional rigors of rural existence, transitioning from an initial drive for change to a deeper appreciation of its grounding effects, while navigating bureaucratic frustrations and marital tensions. Liz Taylor, played by Anne Tenney, acts as the supportive cornerstone of the family, offering empathy and strength to hold the unit together amid challenges. As the devoted mother and homemaker, she endorses the relocation primarily for the sake of her children's well-being, confronting feelings of isolation in the countryside and working to integrate into the close-knit community. Her arc focuses on addressing strains in her marriage to John while fostering family resilience, often providing a sympathetic ear and practical guidance during their adjustment to farm duties and slower-paced life. The Taylor children represent varying stages of youthful rebellion and vulnerability, amplifying the family's generational dynamics. Eldest daughter Marissa, portrayed by , an 18-year-old aspiring fashion designer, is spunky and impetuous yet insecure, having been drawn into a fast city crowd involving drugs; she resists the rural move vehemently, viewing it as a setback to her ambitions for quick success. Son , played by Daniel Bowden, 16 and an aspiring rock musician, is polite and protective but quits school to pursue his passion, later meeting a local girl that prompts him to reassess his priorities amid the quieter environment. Youngest daughter Kimberley, enacted by Natasha Lee, 14, is shy and diligent, often escaping into schoolwork due to past ; she adapts more readily, seeing as an opportunity for a fresh start free from urban loneliness. Family dynamics in the Taylor household emphasize clashes between John's protective idealism and the teenagers' urban-influenced independence, compounded by Liz's role in mediating emotional undercurrents. Initial reluctance from the children creates tension, but shared rural hardships—such as farm labor and community immersion—gradually foster unity and mutual understanding, strengthening bonds strained by city life. Their interactions with the Todds, now in , occasionally underscore these contrasts through parallel adjustment stories.

Todd family

The Todd family serves as the rural counterpart in Always Greener, consisting of widowed mother Sandra Todd and her two teenage children, Campbell and Pip, who relocate from their farm in to the urban suburb of Allanhurst as part of a house and job swap with the Taylor family. This move thrusts the family into city life, highlighting their adjustments from a close-knit, nature-oriented existence to the fast-paced, socially complex environment of Sydney's outskirts. Sandra Todd, portrayed by Caitlin McDougall, is the family's matriarch, a former city dweller who married farmer Rob and relocated to the country, putting her urban aspirations on hold. Widowed after Rob's death in a bushfire, she works as a receptionist in Inverness while raising her children, and the swap represents her opportunity to reinvent herself and escape painful memories. Outgoing and restless, Sandra's arc focuses on navigating urban social scenes, professional challenges in the city, and balancing her protective instincts with her desire for personal fulfillment, often leading to humorous clashes between her practical rural mindset and city temptations. Campbell Todd, played by Abe Forsythe, is Sandra's 16-year-old son, who has matured beyond his years due to his father's absence, often stepping into a makeshift father-figure role for his sister. Academically gifted and an avid sportsman in soccer and , Campbell approaches the city move with excitement, particularly for enhanced athletic opportunities unavailable in rural . His storyline explores themes of insecurity about manhood and adaptation, as he grapples with urban freedoms, peer pressures, and the erosion of traditional rural values, revealing a charming yet sensitive teen beneath his polite exterior. Pip Todd, portrayed by Bree Walters, is the 15-year-old daughter, a quintessential country girl deeply connected to outdoor life and nature, showing little interest in conventional feminine pursuits. Thrilled by the prospect of living, Pip's arc centers on her discovery of amid urban novelties, including fascination with fashion and observed through interactions like those with her Marissa. Down-to-earth and resilient, she faces cultural shocks that test her adaptability, contributing to heartfelt family moments where rural simplicity contrasts with complexities. Throughout the series, the Todd family's dynamics emphasize unity forged by loss and rural heritage, with Sandra's guidance helping Campbell and Pip negotiate temptations like urban independence and social experimentation, resulting in both comedic and poignant adjustments to their new life.

Other main characters

Tom Morgan, portrayed by , serves as a key rural neighbor in , acting as a farm worker and with a troubled past who bonds with the Todd family following the death of Rob Todd. His character provides through his struggles with and search for purpose, while offering practical farm guidance that aids the Taylors during their rural adjustment, thereby facilitating subplots involving community integration and personal growth tied to the family swaps. Greg Steele, played by , is an abrasive ex-army neighbor to the Taylors, whose emotionally reserved nature stems from his wife's and influences ongoing plots through tense interactions that highlight themes of sensitivity and . As Mickey's father, he contributes to family dynamics outside the core swaps, serving as a catalyst for the Taylors' exploration of rural resilience without overshadowing the main narratives. Among the school friends of the children, Mickey Steele () stands out as Taylor's best friend and a in a band, whose independent spirit and hidden secrets drive subplots related to creativity and adolescent challenges during the location swaps. Similarly, Katy Turnbull (Georgie Shew), a romantic country girl, develops an arc intertwined with Jason's experiences, facing opposition from her protective mother Isabelle (), a savvy businesswoman with sensibilities and a Christian outlook, which underscores conflicts between urban and rural values. These portrayals integrate the ensemble by emphasizing relational tensions that promote character development across episodes. Derek Unn, enacted by Andrew Clarke, functions as a shonky real estate agent whose dishonest yet sociable demeanor sparks workplace drama and property-related subplots linked to the families' relocations. His insecurity and pub-centric antics provide comic elements while catalyzing growth in John's professional outlook during the urban-rural exchanges. Harry Smallcock, played by Don Reid in four episodes across both seasons, emerges as a recurring rural figure offering comic relief and local color through involvement in community events like church gatherings and farm mishaps. His portrayal enhances the ensemble's depiction of small-town life, indirectly supporting the Todds' and Taylors' arcs by illustrating the quirks of Inverness without dominating the central family stories.

Recurring and guest appearances

The series featured several recurring characters who appeared in multiple episodes to support community dynamics and subplots, often portraying local residents in the rural and urban settings. Notable among them was Peter Corbett as Bert Adams, a who appeared in 13 episodes of season 1 and 15 in season 2, contributing to storylines involving agricultural challenges and neighborly support, such as assisting in community events and personal crises. Similarly, portrayed Isabelle Turnbull, a longstanding community member seen in 15 episodes across season 1 and 16 in season 2, who hosted local gatherings and provided guidance in family revelations, adding depth to the rural social fabric. recurred as Greg Steele in 15 season 1 episodes and 6 in season 2, serving as a helpful friend and romantic figure whose arc influenced interpersonal tensions and plot developments. Other recurrings included Bree Desborough as Shelley Southall, recurring in 37 episodes across both seasons, evolving from an antagonistic bully to a character grappling with personal guilt and redemption; and Georgie Shew as Katy Turnbull, recurring in multiple episodes across both seasons, a young love interest navigating teenage relationships and growth. In season 2, Steven Rooke appeared as Nick Greenhill in 10 episodes, exploring identity and romance in supporting subplots, while as Pete Jones featured in 12 episodes as a DJ with a complex backstory, aiding urban adjustment themes. Guest appearances numbered over 20 across the two seasons, with one-off roles often injecting humor, conflict, or twists into specific episodes through established Australian performers. For instance, in season 1's premiere, Andrew Clarke guest-starred as real estate agent Derek Unn, appearing in 16 episodes overall but initially setting up relocation tensions, while as Patch contributed to multiple episodes across both seasons with local antics that heightened comedic rural encounters. Season 2 featured high-profile cameos like as Rolan Meadows in episode 2.01, adding levity to a fantasy sequence, and as Fantasy Greg, enhancing surreal humor in transitional storylines. Other notable guests included Merridy Eastman as Eileen Unn in 16 season 2 episodes for dramatic pregnancy and withdrawal arcs, and one-offs like as Janet Frawley in 2.01, who amplified contrasts in city episodes. These appearances frequently tied into main character arcs, such as romantic or professional challenges, without dominating the narrative. The casting for recurring and guest roles emphasized a blend of emerging and veteran Australian actors to ensure authenticity in depicting regional and urban life, with performers like Clarke and Corbett bringing experience from prior soaps and dramas to ground the ensemble.

Episodes

Season 1

The first season of Always Greener comprises 22 episodes and aired on the Seven Network from 9 September 2001 to 3 June 2002. The season establishes the core premise through the Taylor and Todd families' life swap, initiated after a chaotic visit where city-dweller John Taylor's family relocates to his sister Sandra Todd's rural farm in , while the Todds move to the Taylors' home in a suburb. The premiere episode, "The Other Man's Grass", directed by Kevin Carlin, sets up the swap amid family crises, including a explosion that prompts the decision, blending humor and drama as the families grapple with immediate logistical and emotional challenges. Subsequent early episodes, such as "Where, What, Why, When, How?" and "Close Encounters of the Furred Kind", explore the initial adjustments, with the Taylors facing rural isolation and animal encounters—highlighted by a farm accident involving —while the Todds encounter city temptations like job hunts and social pressures. These arcs emphasize cultural clashes, such as the Taylors' failed church barbecue in "Keep Off the Grass" and the Todds' struggles with urban anonymity. Mid-season shifts toward interpersonal dynamics, particularly teen romances and family secrets, as seen in episodes like "The Mating Urge" and "What's in a Name?", where Marissa Taylor develops a connection with Tom Morgan, Jason Taylor pursues Katy Turnbull, and revelations about parentage and past relationships surface amid events like a town and tensions. Introductory conflicts intensify with themes of identity and , including Sandra's mishaps in the and John's confrontations with his rural past, culminating in episodes such as "History Repeating", which features a chicken pox outbreak and sibling bonds. The season builds to its finale, "", which resolves key first-year adjustments through reconciliations—like Tom with his mother Isabelle—and escalating crises, including a and career reevaluations, while hinting at deeper ongoing family entanglements without fully concluding the swap's long-term impacts. Throughout, the narrative prioritizes the families' parallel growth, using representative examples of rural hardships (e.g., mishaps) and urban disillusionments (e.g., ignored birthdays) to underscore the swap's transformative effects.

Season 2

The second season of Always Greener comprises 28 episodes and aired weekly on the Seven Network from 8 September 2002 to 8 June 2003. Building directly on the resolutions from season 1, it escalates the interpersonal and communal tensions arising from the ongoing family house swap, with the Taylor and Todd families navigating deeper integrations amid evolving personal identities and relationships. The narrative shifts toward higher-stakes , incorporating elements such as initiatives, romantic entanglements, and emotional crises that test the families' commitments to their swapped lifestyles. Central to the season are arcs that deepen family bonds while introducing external pressures, including financial challenges. John Taylor and Liz Taylor return to the rural town of to establish a community-funded Neighbourhood Centre, aiming to bridge urban and rural divides but facing funding hurdles and local skepticism. Romantic developments intensify across households: Tom Morgan and Marissa Taylor pursue a cross-family relationship, Pip Taylor explores her connection with Nick Greenhill, and Sandra Todd grapples with her involvement alongside Pete Jones. Additional threats emerge through Campbell Todd's chronicling the swap experience, which stirs concerns and amplifies family discord; meanwhile, Shelley Southall contends with profound guilt following the death of her partner Greg Steele, culminating in her temporary disappearance. These threads culminate in subtle hints toward a potential reversal of the swap, particularly through revelations about familial ties and loyalties. The season features notable guest appearances that enhance the dramatic scope, including as Greg Steele, Andrew Clarke as Derek Unn, and Peter Corbett as Bert Adams, reflecting an expansion in ensemble storytelling following the first season's momentum. Key episode highlights include the premiere "Here We Go Again," which reintroduces the families' adjusted dynamics and launches John's Centre vision amid initial optimism and friction. Mid-season episodes introduce crises such as health scares—exemplified by the impact of Greg's death in early arcs and the tragic loss of baby Harry in episode 12, ""—alongside communal events like the debutante ball in episode 5, "It Takes Balls," which temporarily unites the divided communities but exposes underlying rifts. The finale, "Future Shocks," resolves major tensions with a shocking result for Tom that questions established family structures, while Cam and Pip address Pete Jones's , teasing alternate future paths for the swapped households without fully concluding the experiment.

Reception

Viewership and ratings

Always Greener premiered on the Seven Network on 9 September 2001 in the Sunday 7:30 pm timeslot, drawing a national average audience of 2.065 million viewers for its debut episode and peaking at 2.174 million during the broadcast. The series experienced a strong start, outperforming competitors such as Nine's 60 Minutes (1.677 million viewers) and Ten's programming (1.421 million), but viewership steadily declined over Season 1, with episodes later averaging around 1.3 million by mid-2002. This trend culminated in the season finale attracting significantly lower numbers compared to the premiere, amid growing competition in the family-oriented timeslot. Season 2, airing from 2002 to 2003, opened with an initial audience of approximately 1.3 million but continued the downward trajectory, dropping to under 1 million for several episodes by early 2003. Factors influencing this decline included intensified rivalry from other Sunday evening programs and network scheduling adjustments, which fragmented the audience. Overall, the series averaged above 1 million viewers across its run but failed to sustain its launch momentum. Demographically, Always Greener appealed strongly to family viewers, with a notable skew toward audiences over 40, who comprised the majority of its later viewership. It performed particularly well in , where its urban-rural swap premise resonated, contributing to higher relative ratings outside major metros like .

Critical response

Upon its debut in 2001, Always Greener received acclaim for its fresh premise of two families swapping urban and rural lifestyles, marking it as a hit for the Seven Network. The series was praised for its effective balance of and , blending humor with heartfelt explorations of dynamics and personal growth. In a 2021 retrospective review, highlighted its "impeccable " and described it as "extremely funny, often silly, and warm as a group hug," emphasizing how it handled complex themes like male PTSD with a light touch. The review further noted the show's originality despite its familiar fish-out-of-water setup, crediting the strong for elevating the material into one of the "warmest and most original Australian dramas ever created." However, it critiqued some fantasy sequences as elements that "should have been trimmed out of the edit." Retrospective pieces from to 2023 have underscored the series' enduring appeal, portraying it as a that continues to resonate for its content and now enjoys renewed availability on streaming platforms. Overall, it holds a consensus rating of 7.8/10 on , reflecting its valued mix of warmth and wit.

Awards and nominations

Always Greener received several nominations and one win across various Australian awards ceremonies during its run, recognizing its drama series format, performances, and technical achievements. At the 2002 , the series was nominated for Most Outstanding Drama Series and Michala was nominated for Most Popular New Female Talent. In 2003, it earned nominations for Most Outstanding Drama Series and Most Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for . The show received another nomination for Most Outstanding Drama Series at the 2004 , bringing its total to five Logie nominations. The series won the Australian Film Institute (AFI) Award for Best Actor in a Supporting or Guest Role in a Television Drama in 2002, awarded to . It was also nominated at the 2002 Australian Writers' Guild Awards (AWGIE) for Television Series episode "The Good Woman’s Guide To A Happy Home" by Sue Hore. Additional nominations included the 2002 International Emmy Award for the series' first season episodes 1 and 3, the 2002 APRA-AGSC Screen Music Awards for Best Music for a Television Series or Serial (Paul Healy and Trent Williamson), and the 2003 ASSG Australian Screen Sound Awards for Best Achievement in Sound for a Television Drama (episode 50). These accolades highlighted the show's strong ensemble cast and production quality, contributing to its visibility in the Australian television landscape despite eventual challenges with viewership.

Legacy and distribution

Cancellation

In September 2003, the Seven Network announced the cancellation of Always Greener, reversing its July 2003 decision to commission a third season for 2004. The network's head of programming, Tim Worner, stated that the decision was not taken lightly, emphasizing the regret over axing an Australian production amid broader cost-cutting measures. The cancellation stemmed from several interconnected factors, primarily declining viewership and escalating production expenses. The series' audience had fallen significantly, from a debut high of 2.06 million viewers in to a season average of 936,000 in 2003, representing a 24.5% drop from the previous year's average of 1.24 million. High costs were another key issue, with the proposed 22-episode third season estimated at $10 million—far exceeding the $400,000 to $500,000 per hour for local dramas, compared to just $100,000 for imported programs—driven by the logistical demands of filming across urban and rural locations. Additionally, the show faced stiff competition from high-rating imports like Network Ten's Big Brother, which contributed to only two Australian dramas, including Always Greener, ranking in the top 30 programs the week before the announcement. Series creator Bevan Lee expressed being "extremely saddened" by the news but acknowledged the economic pressures facing local television production. Cast and crew members, including actress , were reportedly devastated, with no indications of revival plans emerging in the subsequent two decades. In 2024, actress Natasha Lee, who played baby Kimberley Taylor, published an essay reflecting on the challenges of her experience as a on the series. The season 2 finale aired with several major story arcs unresolved, leaving viewers frustrated and prompting online discussions of disappointment among fans, though no formal revival campaigns materialized at the time.

Home media and streaming

The home media releases for Always Greener began with individual season sets in . Season 1 was issued in two volumes on March 7, , with Volume 1 covering episodes 1–11 across three discs and Volume 2 covering episodes 12–22. Season 2 followed with a similar structure, also released in by Australian distributors. No complete series box set has been widely documented. In terms of streaming, Always Greener became available on starting in May 2024, offering both seasons to subscribers in select regions. It has been accessible on , the free streaming service of the Seven Network, since the platform's launch in the 2010s, providing catch-up episodes primarily for Australian audiences. Clips and select episodes are also viewable on through official and fan-uploaded channels as of 2025. Internationally, distribution remains limited, with physical media confined mostly to Region 4 ( and ) releases and no major DVD or Blu-ray editions . In the UK, availability is sparse, with no dedicated physical releases but occasional streaming options through platforms like .

References

  1. https://epguides.com/AlwaysGreener/
  2. https://www.thetvdb.com/series/always-greener
  3. https://www.australiantelevision.net/alwaysgreener/cast.html
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0295064/fullcredits/
  5. https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/the-screen-guide/t/always-greener-series-1-2002/18294/
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0295064/
  7. https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/may/26/always-greener-extremely-funny-australian-tv-drama-thats-as-warm-as-a-family-group-hug
  8. http://www.australiantelevision.net/alwaysgreener/articles/rosydebut.html
  9. http://www.australiantelevision.net/alwaysgreener/about.html
  10. https://www.nowtolove.com.au/entertainment/tv/where-are-the-cast-of-always-greener-now-76266/
  11. http://www.australiantelevision.net/alwaysgreener/characters.html
  12. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/always_greener/cast-and-crew
  13. https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/always-greener/cast/1000012842/
  14. https://www.yoursay.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/88165/widgets/416778/documents/268733
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0295064/locations/
  16. https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/the-screen-guide/t/always-greener-series/17295/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0791858/
  18. https://www.reddit.com/r/AustralianNostalgia/comments/1f1n059/always_greener_20012003/
  19. https://www.australiantelevision.net/alwaysgreener/about.html
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0295064/plotsummary/
  21. https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/the-screen-guide/t/always-greener-series-2-2003/17747/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0295064/episodes/?season=1
  23. http://www.australiantelevision.net/alwaysgreener/articles/greentalented.html
  24. http://australiantelevision.net/alwaysgreener/characters.html
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0510976/plotsummary/
  26. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/15183-always-greener?language=en-US
  27. http://www.australiantelevision.net/alwaysgreener/series1.html
  28. http://www.australiantelevision.net/alwaysgreener/series2.html
  29. https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/soaps-that-dont-sell-why-television-drama-is-such-a-tough-act-20020928-k1tyo
  30. https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/big-brother-shunts-out-vanishing-teenager-20030429-gdgoa9.html
  31. https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/its-not-easy-being-green-as-home-grown-series-axed-20030906-jv0hp
  32. http://www.australiantelevision.net/alwaysgreener/awards.html
  33. http://www.australiantelevision.net/awards/logie2002.html
  34. http://www.australiantelevision.net/awards/logie2004.html
  35. http://www.australiantelevision.net/awards/afi2002.html
  36. http://www.australiantelevision.net/awards/awgie2002.html
  37. http://www.australiantelevision.net/alwaysgreener/articles/cancellation.html
  38. https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/always-greener-out-to-grass-in-seven-backflip-20030902-gdw9ra.html
  39. https://themotherhood.substack.com/p/being-a-child-actor-nearly-killed
  40. https://www.bigfooty.com/forum/threads/tv-shows-cancelled-on-a-cliffhanger.1119010/
  41. https://www.sanity.com.au/products/2087663/Always-Greener---Season-01---Vol-01
  42. https://www.amazon.com.au/Always-Greener-Season-Non-USA-Australia/dp/B008QP3IWS
  43. https://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/Always-Greener-The-Complete-Season-1/dp/6213357
  44. https://www.comingsoon.net/guides/news/1702543-always-greener-season-1-streaming-watch-stream-online-via-amazon-prime-video
  45. https://7plus.com.au/always-greener
  46. https://www.ebay.com/itm/255475923508
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